Do we take our liberties for granted?

[adic88]

One of the things that has been on my mind since reports of this years Festival Habanos came out is how difficult things seem to be on the island for so many people. To their credit, they are still able to smile and laugh, but if i was in their shoes, i don't think i could manage it.

Videos show that the streets of Cuba are run down and look from something from a 1960s movie. Reports about how poor the people are, that they have to live on a meagre Government allowance, how they can't even afford to smoke their own cigars.

It all just makes me reflect on all the things i have, and yes, have even come to take for granted. I expect a modern city, the one i live in. Where public transportation is efficient and quick, food is readily available and choices are practically limitless. I expect to earn the salary i earn, proportionate to the work i do, and i scream and moan when i feel that i'm being shortchanged by anyone or anything. I expect the cigars i smoke to be great and wonderful, a perfect foil to an otherwise robotic city life. I expect public amenities like water and sanitation to be working perfectly, all in the background where i don't have to worry about it. Education for my kids. Air conditioned movie theaters. Sushi bars. McDonalds and Starbucks.

So many things that i have and will not give up, compared to what the Cubans have not had in generations and have never known. It's almost surreal that we live on the same planet, unbelievable almost that just a couple of miles away from the shores of Cuba is the Land of the Free.

Visiting Cuba is one thing, i'm sure i'd enjoy myself. But to live in Cuba as a Cuban lives, i'm not sure i can give up my creature comforts, the things i have come to expect and take for granted.

[dicko]

I don't like taxes and restrictions on my smoking, and other aspects of my life. I'm very glad I live in a liberal democracy and to a large extent can make my own way in the world. Free markets and rule of law is where it's at!

[Colt45]

I imagine that in places like the slums of Mumbai, some countries on the continent of Africa, etc,

they might look upon the Cubans as being rich.

With my perception of what I consider the Cuban joy of life, I would in some ways consider them richer than myself.

[headstand]

Thanks Aizuddin.

I just came back in from the deck, grateful for windless evening with temperature hovering at +1C. I've been waiting since late November to light up and relax rather than hurrying a winter smoke. A sliver of moon, the Pleiades faint above it, Orion to the south, and a Boli PC (is there a finer cigar for reflection?). You are right - we take these things for granted. Nice reflection. I'll take it as a starting thought for Lent.

Cheers to you and here's hoping the best for the Cuban people.

Alan

[Wicky]

I imagine that in places like the slums of Mumbai, some countries on the continent of Africa, etc,

they might look upon the Cubans as being rich.

With my perception of what I consider the Cuban joy of life, I would in some ways consider them richer than myself.

as an american surrounded by starbucks,mcdonalds and mental illness, i couldn't agree more.

[#2 man]

AiZ,We all do !! ( human nature ) We find it way too easy to find fault or what were missing,, or don't have, than we do to appreciate those things that we do have and take for granted on a daily basis "It's not having what you want it's wanting what you have " and with everyone creating a "want" trying to sell you happiness it will never end unless we can learn how ....... Here we are awaiting the next release and the next "live from the humidor"

[laficion]

Hi Aizuddin,

For me, It would have to be MONSIEUR Alejandro Robaina who sumed it up

the best.

One night, at a big cigar promotional event overseas where he was the guest star

of the night, a journalist interviewing him, asked Robaina if he was pleased to be traveling

around the world to promote his cigars. Robaina said that of course he was very pleased

that the brand was highly demanded and respected but that for him, he'd be more at ease

at home working in his fields and watching his tobacco grow, however he said, "I have traveled

to many countries and have met many wonderful people but I have also met many poor

people, people that were so poor that all they had was money to spend."

[adic88]

Hi Aizuddin,

For me, It would have to be MONSIEUR Alejandro Robaina who sumed it up

the best.

One night, at a big cigar promotional event overseas where he was the guest star

of the night, a journalist interviewing him, asked Robaina if he was pleased to be traveling

around the world to promote his cigars. Robaina said that of course he was very pleased

that the brand was highly demanded and respected but that for him, he'd be more at ease

at home working in his fields and watching his tobacco grow, however he said, "I have traveled

to many countries and have met many wonderful people but I have also met many poor

people, people that were so poor that all they had was money to spend."

That's a great anecdote. I'll like to retell it, if i may.

[snickers99]

I imagine that in places like the slums of Mumbai, some countries on the continent of Africa, etc,

they might look upon the Cubans as being rich.

With my perception of what I consider the Cuban joy of life, I would in some ways consider them richer than myself.

Your post made me reflect that happiness can be had despite the economic and/or political circumstances under which we live. The Cuban people are poor, sometimes hungry, and always oppressed. In the US there is incessant whining about this or that. It has become fashionable to be miserable in the midst of incredible freedom and wealth. We should all spend a little time in places like Cuba and live the life that the majority of people on earth do. After a couple of years, upon returning home, we might actually embrace our liberties and freedoms. We might even thank (dare I say) God for the food, the home, the clothes, the cars, the gadgets, the healthcare, & etc. We might even castigate ourselves for being so ignorant of how special the free and developed world is. In short, such an experience may make us choose happiness over misery. We are, by and large, collectively a bunch of spoiled brats.

[laficion]

That's a great anecdote. I'll like to retell it, if i may.

No problem my friend

[Montaigut]

Hi Aizuddin,

For me, It would have to be MONSIEUR Alejandro Robaina who sumed it up

the best.

One night, at a big cigar promotional event overseas where he was the guest star

of the night, a journalist interviewing him, asked Robaina if he was pleased to be traveling

around the world to promote his cigars. Robaina said that of course he was very pleased

that the brand was highly demanded and respected but that for him, he'd be more at ease

at home working in his fields and watching his tobacco grow, however he said, "I have traveled

to many countries and have met many wonderful people but I have also met many poor

people, people that were so poor that all they had was money to spend."

Maybe we have become cynical?

"A cynic is a man who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing" ( Oscar Wilde)